Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup for ultimate comfort. This classic dish, beloved for its rich flavors and tender chicken, is a true homemade hero. Forget the canned versions; making it yourself guarantees a superior taste and nourishing goodness. It’s perfect for chilly days, sniffles, or simply when you crave a hearty, flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this best chicken noodle soup recipe for so many reasons, making it a staple in your kitchen.
- Ultimate Comforting Taste: Each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction, a true hug in a bowl.
- Deep, Rich, Savory Broth: We build layers of flavor to create an incredibly delicious base.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
- Easier Than You Think: This recipe breaks down into simple, approachable steps, perfect for beginners.
- A Wholesome, Nourishing Meal: Packed with vegetables, protein, and comforting noodles, it’s truly good for you.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most comforting homemade chicken noodle soup. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavor profile of this beloved dish.
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3-4 large carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 10 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, or more, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 batch homemade egg noodles, or 4 cups dry egg noodles, farfalle or other bite-size pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken is perfect)
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor (or more, as needed), or chicken bouillon granules
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken Stock: For the absolute best chicken noodle soup recipe, homemade chicken stock provides unparalleled depth. High-quality store-bought options work wonderfully too; look for low-sodium.
- Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights, offering tender, flavorful meat. You can also cook raw chicken breasts or thighs and shred them.
- Noodles: While homemade egg noodles elevate the dish, store-bought dry egg noodles, farfalle, or rotini are excellent substitutes. Ensure they are bite-sized.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, peas, corn, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill before serving brightens the flavors and adds a beautiful aroma.
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles or a gluten-free flour blend for homemade noodles.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing this easy recipe a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the generous batch of soup.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely dicing vegetables.
- Sharp knife: Makes quick work of preparing your celery, carrots, and onion.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up warm, comforting bowls of soup.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious and comforting homemade chicken noodle soup. This straightforward method ensures a flavorful result every time, even for beginner cooks.
First, melt the butter in your large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery and carrots to the pot and sauté them for about 3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This aromatic base is crucial for the best chicken noodle soup recipe.
Pour in the 10 cups of chicken stock, then season the broth generously with dried rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to taste the broth at this stage before adding too much salt, as stock salinity varies. If the flavor needs a boost, add a spoonful of Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor or some chicken bouillon granules.
Bring the seasoned broth to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your noodles – either your uncooked homemade egg noodles or the dry store-bought pasta. Cook the noodles just until they reach an al dente texture. If you’re using store-bought dry pasta, be extra cautious not to overcook them. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as they are barely tender, as the residual heat will continue to cook them slightly. You want firm, not mushy, noodles in your perfect chicken noodle soup.
Finally, stir in the cooked chicken meat from the rotisserie chicken. Taste the broth one last time and adjust any seasonings as needed; you might want a pinch more salt or pepper. Serve this comforting chicken noodle soup hot and enjoy your homemade creation!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Achieving truly fantastic homemade chicken noodle soup is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely incredible.
- Flavorful Broth: Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics like celery, carrots, and onions first. This step builds the foundational layers of flavor for your broth. Adding Better Than Bouillon also deepens the savory notes.
- Noodle Timing: Always add the noodles last and cook them just until al dente. This crucial step prevents them from becoming soggy and mushy in your soup. Overcooked noodles can ruin the texture.
- Seasoning Wisely: Taste your broth frequently throughout the cooking process. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Quality Chicken: Use tender, juicy cooked chicken for the best texture and taste. Rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient and flavorful, making it ideal for this recipe.
- Fresh Herbs: A final garnish of fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant color right before serving. It really brightens the entire dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your pot isn’t too full, especially when adding noodles. This allows ingredients to cook evenly and the broth to simmer properly.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile best chicken noodle soup recipe is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the delicious leftovers, and simple variations keep things interesting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve each hearty bowl with a side of crusty bread or warm crackers for dipping.
- Pair your comforting soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or a lemon wedge for brightness.
Storage Instructions
- Allow the chicken noodle soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to airtight containers.
- Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.
Freezing Instructions
- For optimal texture, freeze the soup without the noodles. Cooked noodles tend to get mushy when frozen and reheated.
- Cool the broth and chicken mixture completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Soup: Stir in a touch of heavy cream or a splash of milk at the very end of cooking for a richer, creamier broth.
- Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock and add chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even diced firm tofu for protein.
- Spice Level: Easily adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preference for a mild or greener soup.
- Different Proteins: If you have leftover cooked turkey from holidays or even some diced ham, they make fantastic substitutes for chicken.
Nutrition Information
This homemade chicken noodle soup offers a comforting blend of nutrients, making it a wholesome meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins and fiber from the vegetables, and energy from the noodles. Each serving contributes to a balanced diet, especially beneficial when you need a nourishing boost.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
|---|
| Calories |
| Approx. 300-350 |
| Protein |
| Approx. 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates |
| Approx. 30-35g |
| Fat |
| Approx. 10-15g |
| Sodium |
| Approx. 600-800mg |
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Refer to the full recipe card for detailed macro and micronutrient data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is chicken noodle soup good for colds?
Yes, it’s a traditional remedy! Research from institutions like Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggests that chicken noodle soup may help alleviate cold symptoms by clearing nasal congestion and soothing sore throats. The warm broth helps soothe a sore throat and clear congestion, while the chicken provides protein for recovery.
How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade soup typically lasts for 3-4 days. Always use fresh ingredients for the longest shelf life.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken, especially shredded rotisserie chicken, is a fantastic time-saver for this best chicken noodle soup recipe. Add it at the end to simply warm through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat leftover soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can make the noodles mushy.
Why are my noodles soggy?
Noodles become soggy if they are overcooked or sit in the hot broth for too long. For best results, cook noodles just to al dente and add them right before serving, or store them separately.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the ultimate bowl of comfort with this incredible homemade chicken noodle soup. Its rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles offer a truly satisfying experience. This best chicken noodle soup recipe is simple to make and promises to warm you from the inside out, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite veggies or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor the comforting goodness you’ve created!
